A religious devotee pierces his face with a revolver at an annual vegetarian festival in Thailand.
The Taoist worshipper pushed the gun through his cheek as part of the nine day festival in Phuket.
As well as guns, knives and swords were also used in the extreme piercings.
Worshippers believe the acts mean they can purify themselves so they take on the sins of the community.
The occasion, also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, is an annual event during the ninth lunar month.
A number of those taking part try to soften their pain, by working themselves into a trance during a ritual. According to Taoist thought, each mutilation marks a sacrifice.
Worshippers will use the most extreme object they can find and this year badminton rackets, gas nozzles and even a model ship have also been used.
The festival’s origins can be traced back to 1825, when a group of Chinese travellers who fell ill, used the rituals in order to recover.
Please don’t try this at home!
Source: Metro
